 Separating the narthex from the nave are the Royal Doors (either because Christ passes through them in the liturgy, or from the time of the Byzantine Empire, when the emperor would enter the main body of Hagia Sophia, the Church of Holy Wisdom, through these doors and proceed up to the altar to partake of the Eucharist).On either side of this portal are large brass candlestands called "menalia" which represent the pillars of fire which went before the Hebrews into the promised land.The nave is the main body of the church where the people stand during the services.